Sunday, December 8, 2013

Baltimore Activist Alert Dec. 8 – Dec. 9, 2013

Baltimore Activist Alert Dec. 8 – Dec. 14, 2013
"I speak as an American to the leaders of my own nation. The great initiative in this war is ours.
The initiative to stop it must be ours." -Martin Luther King Jr.
Friends, this list and other email documents which I send out are done under the auspices of the Baltimore Nonviolence Center. Go to www.baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com. If you appreciate this information and would like to make a donation, send contributions to BNC, 325 East 25th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218. Max Obuszewski can be reached at 410-366-1637 or mobuszewski [at] verizon.net.
Tune into the Maryland Progressive Blog at http://mdprogblog.org.
1] Books, buttons & stickers
2] Web site for info on federal legislation
3] Join Nonviolent Resistance lists
4] Buy coffee through HoCoFoLa
5] Vietnam Photograph Exhibit – through Feb. 23
6] Atoms for Peace [sic] speech – Dec. 8
7] Death penalty fundraiser – Dec. 8
8] “The Vicious Circle Principle of the Evolution of Humankind” – Dec. 8
9] Peace and Pancakes – Dec. 8
10] Boycott SodaStream – Dec. 8
11] Join author Jay Beaman and the Center on Conscience & War – Dec. 8
12] Baltimore Green Forum -- Dec. 8
13] Primer on Drones – Dec. 8
14] Film “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequality”– Dec. 8
15] Casa Baltimore/Limay holiday party – Dec. 8
16] “Jewish Community's Evolving Relationship with Israel" -- Dec. 8
17] Pentagon Vigil – Dec. 9
18] Marc Steiner on WEAA – Dec. 9 – Dec. 13
19] Support Witness Against Torture defendants – Dec. 9
20] Preventing Electoral Violence in Africa -- Dec. 9
21] End Gun Violence – Dec. 9
22] “Realizing a World Fit for Children: Priorities for Citizen Action for the 21st Century"
23] Israeli journalist Akiva Eldar in Baltimore – Dec. 9
24] Stephen Namie Family Benefit Concert – Dec. 9
25] Pledge of Resistance/Fund Our Communities meeting – Dec. 9
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1] – Buttons, bumperstickers and books are available. “God Bless the Whole World, No Exceptions” stickers are in stock. Donate your books to Max. Call him at 410-366-1637.
2] – To obtain information how your federal legislators voted on particular bills, go to http://thomas.loc.gov/. Congressional toll-free numbers are 888-818-6641, 888-355-3588 or 800-426-8073. The White House Comment Email is accessible at http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.
3] – THE ORGANIZING LIST will be the primary decision-making mechanism of the National Campaign of Nonviolent Resistance [NCNR]. It will be augmented by conference calls and possibly in-person meetings as needed. It will consist of 1 or 2 representatives from each local, regional, or national organization (not coalitions) that wishes to actively work to carry out the NCNR campaign of facilitating and organizing nonviolent resistance to the war in Iraq. To join the ORGANIZING List, please send your name, group affiliation, city and email address to mobuszewski at Verizon dot net. Different local chapters of a national organization are encouraged to subscribe.
THE NOTICES LIST will include only notices of NCNR actions and related information and is open to any interested person to subscribe. It will be moderated to maintain focus & will include periodic notices about getting involved in NCNR national organizing. To join the NOTICES List, send an email message to mobuszewski at Verizon dot net.
4] – You can help safeguard human rights and fragile ecosystems through your purchase of HOCOFOLA Café Quetzal. Bags of ground coffee or whole beans can be ordered by mailing in an order form. Also note organic cocoa and sugar are for sale. For more details and to download the order form, go to http://friendsoflatinamerica.typepad.com/hocofola/2010/02/hocofola-cafe-quetzal-order-form-2010.html. The coffee comes in one-pound bags.
Fill out the form and mail it with a check made out to HOCOFOLA on or before the second week of the month. Be sure you indicate ground or beans for each type of coffee ordered. Send it to Adela Hirsch, 5358 Eliots Oak Rd., Columbia, MD 21044. Be sure you indicate ground (G) or bean (B) for each type of coffee ordered. The coffee will arrive some time the following week and you will be notified where to pick it up. Contact Adela at 410-997-5662 or via e-mail at adela4peace@verizon.net.
5] – An-My Lê's photographs come to the Baltimore Museum of Art's Front Room. 21 Black-and-white and color photographs explore the roles of the military and war, showing tensions between nature and human influence and machinery. The exhibit runs through Feb. 23 at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. Call 443- 573-1700. Go to http://artbma.org.
6] – December 8, 2013 is the 60th anniversary of President Eisenhower's "Atoms for Peace" speech to the United Nations. The planet has been suffering the deleterious effects ever since.
7] – On Sun., Dec. 8 after a 9:30 AM Mass followed by brunch, the Catholic Mobilizing Network to End the Use of the Death Penalty is holding a fund raiser at the historic St. Paul's College Chapel in Washington, D.C. with Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, archbishop emeritus of the Archdiocese of Washington, and Rev. Ron Rolheiser, national Catholic columnist and best-selling author. The minimum suggested donation is $35 per person. RSVP at emily@catholicsmobilizing.org.
8] – Usually, the Baltimore Ethical Society, 306 W. Franklin St., Suite 102, Baltimore 21201-4517, meets on Sundays, and generally there is a speaker and discussion from 10:30 to noon. The platform address on Sun., Dec. 8 is “The Vicious Circle Principle of the Evolution of Humankind” with Craig Dilworth, reader in Theoretical Philosophy, Uppsala University. The nature of the development of our species is not as it is normally thought to be. It is not as though we progressed beyond other life forms through developing technology, which then allowed our population to grow. The development of humankind is not linear, but rather circular, in accordance with what I have called the vicious circle principle. According to the principle, “Humankind’s development consists in an accelerating movement from situations of scarcity, to technological innovation, to increased resource availability, to increased consumption, to population growth, to resource depletion, to scarcity once again, and so on.” (“Too Smart for Our Own Good,” p. 110). This view of our past allows us to better understand how important the human community has been to our survival, and how it is in the community that our morals have their origin.
Craig Dilworth was born in Canada and received his PhD at Uppsala University, Sweden. He is the author of two major works in the philosophy of science, “Scientific Progress” (4th ed. 2008) and “The Metaphysics of Science” (2nd ed. 2007), as well as a book in human ecology entitled “Too Smart for Our Own Good” (2009). His latest work is “Simplicity” (2012.) Call 410-581-2322 or contact Kathryn Sloboda at katamui@gmail.com. Go to http://bmorethical.org/; Twitter: @bmorethical; or Facebook: http://fb.com/bmorethical/.
9] – Join the Kadampa Meditation Center for Peace and Pancakes on Sundays at 10:30 AM at KMC Maryland, 2937 North Charles St. All are invited to participate in guided meditation and chant praying for world peace. There will be a talk based on Buddhist thought followed by brunch. Call 410- 243-3837. Brunch is $5.
10 ] – There is a SodaStream Boycott Day of Action on Sun., Dec. 8 from 2 to 3:30 PM–“Occupation is not green—Boycott Soda Stream.” The action will take in front of the Columbia Heights Mall, at the Columbia Heights Metro Station on 14th St. and just north of the intersection with Irving St. Ask shoppers to refuse to buy SodaStream products, and call on local store managers to tell their corporate headquarters to stop stocking the products. SodaStream manufactures its products in an illegal Israeli settlement. Email jvpdcmetro@gmail.com or call 301-80-9224. Visit http://tinyurl.com/DCSodaStreamNatlDayofAction or www.JewishVoiceForPeace.org/ DCMetro. Sign the national Boycott Soda Stream petition at http://sodastreamboycott.org.
11] – On Sun., Dec. 8 from 2:30 to 5 PM, join author Jay Beaman and the Center on Conscience & War for a lively discussion on Conscience, War and the (Un)Forgotten History of Pentecostal Pacifism. Discover the hidden history of pacifism among some of the churches most closely associated with militarism in the United States today, and learn more about modern Conscientious Objection to war from Bill Galvin and Maria Santelli, of the Center on Conscience & War, at the Universalist National Memorial Church, 1810 Sixteenth St. NW, WDC. Holiday goodies and fellowship will follow the talk. Call the Center on Conscience & War at 202-483-2220 or visit www.centeronconscience.org.
The politics and positions of the Religious Right have been engineered – and nowhere is this more clear than in its support for war and militarism. “Pentecostal groups have forgotten their legacy of war resistance and doctrinal history opposing killing. Numerous Holiness groups and virtually all early Pentecostal groups had some form of pacifist statement against war. While their early doctrines opposed killing, many named in this book are now widely considered to be stalwarts of the Religious Right, or at least staunch supporters of Christian participation in war. Our hope is that this book will frame the official position of early Pentecostals on war and peace, and encourage Pentecostals today to reflect on their antiwar heritage." --Jay Beaman.
12] – The Baltimore Green Forum is holding on Sun., Dec. 8 a Special Meeting and Special Guest from Sweden! This monthly environmental education and discussion forum runs from 4 to 5:30 PM with an optional affinity group meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Maryland Presbyterian Church, 1105 Providence Road, Towson 21286. See http://www.mpchurch.org/About.htm. The speaker Dr. Craig Dilworth will address My Experience as an Environmental Consultant and Researcher in Sweden and How It Led to My Book, "Too Smart for Our Own Good."
The Purpose of the Baltimore Green Forum is to seek to improve the quality of all life in the greater Baltimore area. The contribution to this goal will be to gather monthly in order to discern the progress towards regional sustainability that has already been achieved. Discover the connections amidst the chaos of the movement and build a community of like-minded individuals. Donations to the Maryland Presbyterian Church are greatly appreciated. Go to www.baltimoregreenforum.org or email baltimoregreenforum@gmail.com or phone 410-554-0006.
The Baltimore Green Forum is co-sponsored by Simplicity Matters Earth Institute ~ Chesapeake Climate Action Network ~ Baltimore Green Currency Assn. - MD League of Conservation Voters Education Fund ~ Greater Baltimore Group of the Sierra Club - Heathcote Community ~ Retrofit Baltimore ~ Creation Care Group of the Presbytery of Baltimore and Interfaith Power and Light.
13] – On Sun., Dec. 8 at 4:30 PM, participate in the Brandywine Peace Community Monthly Potluck Supper/Program at the University Lutheran Church, 3637 Chestnut Street, Phila., PA (37th & Chestnut Streets). Hear "An AFSC [American Friends Service Committee] Primer on Drones: Waging Peace in The Deadly Era of Drone Warfare and Surveillance. This will be a Video Slideshow presentation on what you should know and can do"...presented by Peter Lems and Tory Smith, AFSC staff. Call 610-544-1818 or go to http://www.brandywinepeace.com/events/.
14] – This month, A.C.T.O.R. (A Continuing Talk on Race) is showing Catch the film “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequality” on Sun., Dec. 8 from 5 to 7 PM at Busboys and Poets, 14th & V Sts. There will be a follow up discussion with the director, Dr. Shakti Butler. Go to http://www.busboysandpoets.com/events/info/a.c.t.o.r?utm_source=12%2F1+A.C.T.O.R.+E-Blast&utm_campaign=ACTOR+December+2013+&utm_medium=email. Email press@busboysandpoets.com.
15] – You’re cordially invited to our Casa Baltimore/Limay holiday party at the home of John Reuter, 2902 Louise Ave., Baltimore 21214. This is a *fun* raiser as well as a fundraiser for projects in the friendship community, Limay, Nicaragua--college scholarships, food security for the most vulnerable, and medical funds. Bring a potluck dish to share, and lots of holiday love on Sun., Dec. 8 at 5 PM for refreshments, followed at 5:30 PM for dinner.
A donation is requested for the projects, but no will be turned away. There will be entertainment, and a live "auction" of services and products from our supporters. From Charles Street, head east on Northern Parkway to Old Harford Road, then turn right (south). Go four blocks, turn left [Max believes right] on Louise Avenue. House is on the left. RSVP to barbara.larcom@gmail.com.
16] – On Sun., Dec. 8 at 5 PM, Jewish Voice for Peace will raise questions about "The American Jewish Community's Evolving Relationship with Israel" at the DCJCC, 1529 16th St. NW, WDC. This is the first of three events in the series "Embracing Democracy: Who Has the Right to Speak for Israel?" -- described by the DCJCC as "a community-wide conversation with leading experts exploring the relationship between the American Jewish community and Israel, its history and its politics." To order tickets to attend Sunday's event, go to: http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar/2039126099?view=Detail&id=142522. Tickets are $15 each, but there is also a 'limited income' ticket option.
17] – There is a weekly Pentagon Peace Vigil from 7 to 8 AM on Mondays, since 1987, outside the Pentagon Metro stop. The next vigil is Mon., Dec. 9, and it is sponsored by the Dorothy Day Catholic Worker. Email artlaffin@hotmail.com or call 202-882-9649.
18] – The Marc Steiner Show airs Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 AM on WEAA 88.9 FM, The Voice of the Community, or online at www.weaa.org. The call-in number is 410-319-8888, and comments can also be sent by email to steinershow@gmail.com. All shows are also available as podcasts at www.steinershow.org.
19] – Five members of WITNESS AGAINST TORTURE go on trial on Mon., Dec. 9 at 9 AM in Superior Court, 500 Indiana Ave, NW, WDC. Support them as they attempt to put Guantanamo on trial. See WWW.WITNESSTORTURE.ORG.
20] – Attend a USIP Academy course- Preventing Electoral Violence in Africa from Mon., Dec. 9 at 9AM through Thurs., Dec. 12 at 5 PM at the United States Institute of Peace, 2301 Constitution Ave., WDC 20037. Stemming electoral violence in transition and fragile environments requires understanding the broader landscape of the conflict and how that conflict is managed. This course will help practitioners identify triggers of electoral violence and develop an action plan to help stem this violence. Participants will learn how to build positive agencies, and regional and international organizations. See http://www.usip.org/events/preventing-electoral-violence-in-africa-tools-policymakers.
21] – On Mon., Dec. 9 from 4 to 5 PM - End Gun Violence! Join the Washington Chapter of Heeding God’s Call at their second and fourth Monday of the month vigil at REALCO Guns, 6108 Marlboro Pike, District Heights, MD 20747. This is an effort to convince the gun shop owner to sign the 10-Point Code for responsible gun dealers based on the one signed with Wal-Mart by Mayors against Illegal Guns. According to the Post, Realco Guns in District Heights sold 86 guns linked to homicides within the last twenty years with 300 guns sold there being linked to non-fatal shootings, as of 2010. In that article Major Andy Ellis of the Prince George’s (MD) Police Department is quoted as saying, “I can only imagine how much lower our violent-crime rate would be if Realco sold shoes instead of guns.” Go to http://www.heedinggodscall.org/.
22] – Beyond the Classroom presents “Realizing a World Fit for Children: Priorities for Citizen Action for the 21st Century" on Mon., Dec. 9 at 7 PM at 1102 South Campus Commons, Building 1, University of Maryland, College Park. What are the key priorities, policies and practices for citizen action that will ensure a world fit for children in the United States and globally? How do we improve children’s well-being and their opportunity to thrive in the 21st century? Who are the leading organizations engaged in this important work? Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/436253896486430/.
23] – J Street Baltimore is hosting famed Israeli journalist Akiva Eldar on Mon., December 9 at 7:30 PM. He is a titan of Israeli journalism and pro-peace advocacy-- or, as he describes it, "a journalist with a mission, and also no small amount of passion." He will discuss the urgency of reaching a two-state solution. Register at http://act.jstreet.org/signup/baltimore_120913/?akid=2614.10478.4hH5L0&rd=1&t=2. As Israelis and Palestinians remain engaged in rocky negotiations aimed at achieving a two-state solution, Eldar will discuss why success is critical for Israel's survival and what American Jews can do to advance the cause. He will speak at Har Sinai, 2905 Walnut Ave., Owings Mills, Maryland.
Eldar is a columnist for Al-Monitor’s Israel Pulse. He was formerly a senior columnist and editorial writer for Haaretz and also served as the Hebrew daily’s US bureau chief and diplomatic correspondent. His most recent book (with Idith Zertal), “Lords of the Land,” is about Jewish settlements. Eldar was born in Haifa, Israel in 1945, and graduated from Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where he majored in economics, political science and psychology. Email info@jstreet.org.
24] – Randy Goldberg, the organizer of the Stephen Namie Family Benefit Concert scheduled for Mon., Dec. 9, wrote this: “A good friend of mine, Stephen Namie, died this past October 19th. He was 43 years old. Stephen was a charming, talented and wonderful young man with whom I sang every Christmas Season, caroling with Joyous Voices, for 10-plus years. Stephen and his wife Tracy, just this past year, adopted their second little girl from China. Here's an article about the family and their girls: http://www.baltimoresun.com/explore/baltimorecounty/news/community/ph-ca-chinese-adoption-0703-20120702,0,2166514,full.story.
Joyous Voices will hold a benefit concert in support of the family and seek a $10 donation. The Christmas Concert will run from 7:30 to 9 PM at Mobtown Theater in Meadow Mill, 3600 Clipper Mill Road, Baltimore 21211. Go to https://www.facebook.com/events/808044342554805/. From Falls Road, go west onto Union Ave. next to Rite Aid. At stop sign at the Pepsi plant, turn left onto Clipper Mill Road. Take the first right over a wooden bridge. Go all the way around the building & park.
25] – The Pledge of Resistance-Baltimore usually meets on Mondays at 7:30 PM, and the meetings take place at Max’s residence. The next meeting will be on Mon., Dec. 9. The proposed agenda will include a report on the demonstration during Baltimore’s Christmas Tree Lighting, an update of the appeal of the CIA Six, the next visit to Rep. Sarbanes’ office, and reviews of HIT AND STAY and BETTER THIS WORLD. Call 410-366-1637 or email mobuszewski at verizon.net for directions.
To be continued.
Donations can be sent to the Baltimore Nonviolence Center, 325 E. 25th St., Baltimore, MD 21218. Ph: 410-366-1637; Email: mobuszewski [at] verizon.net. Go to http://baltimorenonviolencecenter.blogspot.com/.
"The master class has always declared the wars; the subject class has always fought the battles. The master class has had all to gain and nothing to lose, while the subject class has had nothing to gain and everything to lose--especially their lives." Eugene Victor Debs